SPOKANE, Wash. — In 2024, multiple bills have been introduced into Washington and Idaho Legislature and is on its way to being held for a public hearing.
Here are some legislative proposals happening in the Inland Northwest:
Washington:
Establish long-term disaster recovery:
Five months after a pair of devastating wildfires ripped through Elk and Medical Lake, communities are still working to become whole again. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Senator Maria Cantwell are requesting an immediate update from the White House regarding fire assistance for those affected by the Oregon Road and Gray fire this summer.
Bill S.2471 creates the Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund to fund the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program. The program must provide states, tribes, and communities with grants for rebuilding affordable housing and infrastructure after a disaster. Grantees are required to certify that funds will be administered in compliance with specified fair housing and civil rights laws. Grantees must also prioritize assistance for extremely low, low and moderate-income victims of disasters, as well as other vulnerable groups.
Cultivation of cannabis:
House Bill 2194 has been introduced into the house and has had an executive session scheduled. The bill discusses the legalization of home cultivation of cannabis.
If this house bill passes, it would be a civil infraction for an individual to grow between six and 15 plants, while growing 16 or more plants would be a class C felony which is the current penalty for growing any marijuana at home. The felony charge carries a maximum five years imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine.
Enshrining the right to hunt and fish in the state Constitution:
Senate Joint Resolution 8208 has been introduced into the house and has a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks.
This resolution would create an “inalienable right to forage, hunt, fish, trap and harvest wildlife and fish” in the state constitution if two-thirds of both the Senate and House agree to put the amendment to the constitution up for a statewide vote and a simple majority of voters approves.
Prohibiting the use of hog-tying:
Senate Bill 6009 has been introduced into the house and has had an executive session scheduled. The bill discusses prohibiting the use of hog-tying for law enforcement when apprehending a suspect.
The restraint technique has long drawn concern due to the risk of suffocation, and while many cities and counties have banned the practice, it remains in use in others.
Provide all public schools students with free meals:
House bill 2058 would increase students’ access to free meals served at public schools. This bill has hopes to help take off some strain from families who are facing record high grocery prices in Washington.
Washington State representative Marcus Riccelli shares that free meals could enhance kids’ education and “hungry kids can’t learn.” The new proposed bill would provide free breakfast and lunch to all Washington public-school children who request it.
Idaho:
Authorize school employees to carry guns on-campus:
House Bill 415 would authorize a school employee who possesses an enhanced license to carry concealed weapons onto school property in certain instances.
The bill states “There is a desperate need to make our schools secure from individuals that desire to inflict harm on students… The armed guard option is cost prohibitive and not sustainable. This legislation provides an alternative to the hired armed guards by giving the opportunity for Public K-12 school employees to carry concealed weapons and can act as an armed protection force within the confines of the school.”
Define terms, revise definitions regarding “sex” and “gender”:
House Bill 421 would amend existing law to define terms and to revise definitions regarding “sex” and “gender.” The purpose for this bill states that it would provide “a legal definition for male and female and related terms, and provide consistency across state statute.”
Prohibit certain materials from being promoted, given or available to a minor from a school or library:
House Bill 384 would amend and add to existing law to prohibit certain materials from being promoted, given or made available to a minor by a school or public library, to provide a cause of action, to provide for damages and to provide for injunctive relief.
The bill states that “The Children’s School and Library Protection Act requires public schools and community libraries to take reasonable steps in restricting children’s access to obscene or harmful material.” Parents or guardians have a right to bring civil action against the school/library that shared this material that may be deemed “inappropriate.”
Remove certain exceptions relating to abortions:
Senate Bill 1229 would amend section 18-622, Idaho Code, and section 18-8804, Idaho Code, to disallow the affirmative defense to the felony of criminal abortion in the case of incest or rape.
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There are other bills that are entering Washington and Idaho Legislature this year. To find out more information on what bills are being introduced into the house, go to the Idaho Legislature or Washington Legislature website.
